Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down

A Must-Read for Those Interested in Learning about the Next Vice-President

First of all, a note regarding individuals on this site posting negative reviews: it is apparent they never read the book before writing their reviews. Had they done this, they would have been aware the author, Kaylene Johnson, conducted personal interviews for this book beginning in October, 2007, with the last interview taking place in January, 2008. The book was published in April, 2008 and, therefore, obviously was not rushed into print due to recent events, as others here have claimed. These basic facts are available in the Author¿s Source Notes at the end of the book. Now, on to the review. Even at only 152 pages, this book manages to provide an insightful, revealing look into Sarah Palin¿s early years, her relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues, and her entry into local and state politics. What is made clear here is that Sarah Palin did not become involved in politics for personal gain. She ran for office initially because she felt she had a duty to improve the lives of those in her community, and then later, the lives of all Alaskans. The impression that I have of Governor Sarah Palin after reading this book is that she is a strong, down-to-earth, principled woman with many God-given talents. She is fiercely devoted to her family and is unequivocally prepared to handle anything that comes her way, including the vice-presidency. As a final note, in the last sentence in chapter nine, the author refers to Palin as ¿the reform-minded maverick Republican who vowed to be an agent of change.¿ It is due to these qualities, among many others, that she was chosen to be John McCain¿s running mate. And thank God for that!

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Eve, a Democrat

This is well written, informative and enjoyable reading about an intelligent woman. Thanks!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The story of an extraordinary woman who has infuriated the liberal media and turned Election '08 upside down

When John McCain picked Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, the liberal media snickered and started talking about Dan Quayle and Thomas Egleton. But they weren¿t laughing long: Plain faced down media smears, innuendo, contempt, and hostility to deliver a speech for the ages at the Republican Convention ¿ and polls quickly showed that she was more popular than both McCain and Obama. Even better, she¿s a solid, pro-life, small-government, anti-corruption conservative ¿ in sharp contrast to Obama¿s shady origins in the Chicago political machine.

In Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska¿s Political Establishment Upside Down, Kaylene Johnson introduces the reader to the real Sarah Palin: the governor who, according to none other than the New York Times, ¿is untainted by government scandal and unburdened by political debt¿ ¿ and the amazing woman who has put media darling, the Messiah; Lord Barack Obama ¿ thee most merciful - on the defensive while giving Conservatives new hope.

Johnson tells the story of a small-town mayor and hockey mom who followed her hopes and dreams in the face of a disapproving political establishment to become the belle of the Republican Convention. Johnson details what it was like to grow up Sarah, explores her personal life and early influences, and shows how she entered politics ¿ and almost immediately started fearlessly taking on city hall.

Sarah tells the full story of how Palin became the first woman governor in Alaskan history ¿ and enjoyed the highest approval rating of any governor in the nation.

Obama, Biden and the far-left liberals are looking over their shoulders, getting more and more nervous ¿ as Sarah shows, they have good reason.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Oh Come on Now!

It is obvious that the two one star reviews here are not reviews of the book, but cheap political slaps at someone they just do not like. Well, the book is not out so I can play the same game with a more fair 'recommend' review. The complain it that Sarah Palin has a 'thin' resume. Excuse me but getting elected as Govenor of any state is not 'thin'. You are correct in saying she is no Hillary. Hillary is certainly bright but let's be real. Hillary was given a gift: the New York senate seat because she was Bill's wife. Up until her election what did she do on her own? Sarah came from nowhere and built her own reputation. She may be unknown (which in Washington speak means unimportant and lightweight) but she has done more than Hillary. Having said that I do think Hillary would be better than Obama but I also think Sarah Palin is better than either.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Haters are trying to sabotage the rating

Look at all the anonymous ratings on here that give a one-star rating. So we're to believe that all these people bought the book and hated it, without leaving a word? Obviously, someone or someones are trying to do everything possible to sabotage the truth about Palin being attacked, and there obvious attempts to do so here only serves to validate the author's premise. I wasn't even going to get this book but when I saw the obvious attack being done on it's ratings, I went ahead and purchased it. I think it would be an interesting psychological study for someone to really examine what motivates people who hate Sarah Palin, it's as if they can't even control their unbridled (and unearned) hatred of her. Suck it, haters!!

Deffinetly recommend

This book kept your interest clear to the end. Everyone should read, I enjoyed it!!!

Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down

this book makes me proud to be a woman in the U.S.A. it makes me beleive that dreams can come true in this counrty when you beleive in youself and reach for the stars. she has five kids and one is going to Irack! and she makes me proud to be a Christian woman with her faith in Jesus to guide our nation. she will bring the right kind of change to America. she will make abortion illegal. hillary is the worng woman. Sarah is my hero and a maverick and I hope she guides us with a servants heart. God bless Sarah Palin and God bless the U.S.A

Republican spin.

Sarah Palin is not the person that the Republicans are claiming her to be. This book was obviously rushed to print and filled with bias. Sarah Palin claims to be an abstinence only supporter yet her underage daughter is unmarried and pregnant. In my teenage opinion, that is the hard lesson you learn from having abstinence as your only choice. Mrs. Palin obviously cannot control her children, she also admits to knowing very little about the Iraq war. As a high school student, this scares me because if elected she will be one heartbeat away from the Presidency of the United States. Another issue I have comes from being part of a family of a special needs child. My little sister needed full time care and love from both my parents with huge help from my sister and I. Downs Syndrome children need a lot of time, patience, cognitive and physical therapy, and nurturing from both parents. How can someone be more interested in being Vice President than taking care of their special needs child. Mrs. Palin obviously has the oil industry behind her and thats a powerful thing. However, within the short period of time that most Americans have known who she is her lack of knowledge of world affairs, shady business dealings in Alaska, and arch-conservatism have shown that she has no business being Vice President of the United States.

Leaves out So Much

This is a good read but as that it leaves out so much that is now coming to be known publicly, it seems like fiction. There is much to like about Mrs Palin but a biased biography doesn't help her cause.

Concerned over fake book reviews and political opinions

Shocked and Awed John below is giving an opinion of a book he likely never read. He is only using what should be a forum for expressing opinions about read books as venue to vent his political views. His recommendation of 'The Audacity of Hope' clearly exposes his political ideology. The not so cleverly masked vulgarity in the headline of his review clearly demonstrates what a pinhead he is.

Totally biased

How the heck did this book get printed so fast? It will make Christian Zealots very happy, but is this what our country needs? Ms Palin should not forget the fundamentals of our country...& remember that there needs to be separation of church & state. Also disturbing is her lack of understanding of environmental issues facing this world...

Amazing Leader!

This is a story about an inspirational female leader. I feel awe at her professional achievements, her personal accomplishments, and her intense faith in God. Her story is both modern and a return to the ideals upon which America was founded.

Yes, Jessie is a Democrat, but so much more...

I have read the book, listened to the speeches, hype and nasty comments that occur on BOTH sides. Whenever there is a political election the claws come out. I would also like to say that I am a woman, a mother of 2 teenage daughters, a soccer Mom, a Social Science teacher, a mother of a Special Needs child, and a devout Christian....so I probably have more in comon with Sarah Palin than I do with Barack Obama. I am also an educated person that has reviewed the facts...and the fact is the book is trash. My OPINION is that Sarah Palin is not ready to be President of the US. And here are some other titles I recommend as an other reviewer accused me of bias. Although these are REAL books about people that we should admire for their contributions to America (yes, even Richard Nixon--one word --China) not rushed stuff written to spin a bunch of hype and make a lot of quick cash.

Interesting read

To answer the earlier review asking 'how did this book get printed so fast?': The book was written before she was named to McCain's ticket. I think the most interesting part of the book is how Governor Palin took on the political establishment in her OWN party. This isn't a partisan hack. She took on the Republicans in Alaska. The other interesting takeaway was that people always underestimate her until they see her in action and work with her.

A commentary about the other reviews

This is not an official review because I have not yet read the book, but I need to say that this should not be a forum from which to criticize or condemn Sarah and the ticket, as some have done. The bias is so obvious. This is designed to be an objective reference to the book, not a biased political commercial. I only rated the book because otherwise this comment would not be possible, so I rated it as generically as I could.

Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down

I thank God for Sarah Palin. Just when I thought there was no way I could vote for John McCain, he had the courage to pick a true CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE who believes that America is under God's protection and guidance. Her story is very inspirational and her faith is pure. She was saved by our lord and savior Jesus Christ, the king of kings. She will work to help steer America back to the fundamnetal teachings of the bible and make sure all follow the Lord's plan. I believe she was sent from heaven in order to guide us all closer to Christ. This is only the beginning!!! God Bless America!!!

an objective democrat and bookseller

You need to check your facts people. This TRADE PAPERBACK version of this book wasn't rushed to publication as a result of her being named the VP nominee. The hardcover version was released in April. So read the book before you write a review. This was a typical sugar-coated bio. Nothing special. I disagree with her views, but the book wasn't unenjoyable. Just typical.

Sarah, a honest public servant, very interesting.

Sarah is a great book about a crackerjack public servant, be male or female, black or white. How could you not like her, she will save the tax payers money, your money, if you pay taxes. She came from behind, with limited funds and won in Alaska againest all odds.Great story about an American dream come true. I hope she makes mine come true, and she REALLY changes Washington. Would love to meet her in person. Hold on to your hats Congress if she wins!!!

Worth the Read to Learn the Details

A previous reviewer was a hatchet job, not on the book, but on Gov Palins pick to be VP. An outraged and angry liberal...oops...I repeat myself. LOL The book is about a pretty much normal person who took on corrupt town politicians and town managers and then moved on to take on corrupt politicians of both parties. What is lost in the media is who she really is and her background. They like to say she was a 'beauty queen' as if the is liberal code for she is 'brainless'. They don't mention she also played sports and even played a season very hurt to help her team. But that is just her High School and the media is digging deep to ridicule anyones HS life! LOL As an adult she is a maverick and liberals fear her. She has done some great things since she became governor and has of today has an 86% approval rating of all Alaskans. The highest in the Nation. Having had more executive leadership experience than either Obama or Biden is embarrassing to the Dem party. Read the book and learn the truth about the lady and real person.

honest, Informative and Inspiring!

Informative, inspiring and honest account of the newest political star on the block! Whatever the political persuatrion of the reader, one has to admit that the reforms enacted, and her high popularity, during her tenure as Governor of Alaska, are impressive--A breath of fresh air on the American political scene.